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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

When Briana Watson of Jemison realized the amount of scholarship money she would have to attend UAB in the fall, she wanted to give something back to her community.

She decided to organize a school supply drive.

“I talked to my mom about it,” Watson said. “She supported me and was all for it. From there, I have received support from my community, my family and friends.”

She put a call for donations out on social media and began getting a response.

“I am accepting supplies. Friends have been dropping by the house, or I am meeting them with them,” Watson said. “Some people prefer to give monetary donations.”

She said monetary donations have been accepted through apps that allow someone to give money to someone else.

“It is really a community effort, however and whichever way they feel lead,” Watson said.

Community members arrange a donation or let Watson know about a student that would benefit from receiving some of the school supplies by contacting her through Facebook.

The deadline for participation is Aug. 21.

Watson plans on coordinating times for families to pick up the supplies. Any extras will be given directly to Chilton County elementary schools.

She said she saw the project as a “way to pass the blessing along.”

A 2020 graduate of Jemison High School, Watson will be starting her freshman year at UAB soon.